As I sit here tonight, I just keeping thinking back to the day I met Commissioner Phyllis Cole. From the first day I met her, I could tell she has a passion for her job and a passion for Collin County. Phyllis Cole has served Collin County for the past 18 years as a Commissioner. She has played an integral part in the growth and success of the county.

Tonight, we learned that Collin County will be losing one of it's finest Commissioners as Phyllis Cole faced Matt Shaheen in a run-off election. Congratulations to Mr. Shaheen, he won by 30 votes. That's right, 30 votes. This is proof that every vote counts. Think about how many people you come in contact with daily, for most of you, it's probably more than 30. Think about how many people are sitting around you when you are stuck in traffic, I know in Dallas, it's definitely more than 30. Think about how many days are in a month. All in all, 30 really is a small number. Especially when 2260 votes were cast.

I cannot seem to find the words to say to express how I really feel. I have so many thoughts going through my head right now, I just cannot put them into words. I was one of many who were at Phyllis' house tonight to watch the results come in. When I say many, I'm not exaggerating. Cars were lined up and down her street and the neighboring streets as well. She is a very respected lady who was surrounded by many friends, and not even all of her friends were there. As the final results were shown, many just stood there wondering if it is really over. Once Phyllis called everyone into one room, we all knew what she was going to say. The media was there taking pictures and notes. People were crying and hugging. It was something I have never experienced before. This will always be the first campaign that I so tightly knit into. While I wasn't able to phone bank, I did walk the streets, attend events, and even sent a letter to multiple newspaper editors for Commissioner Cole (only one was printed). We had all become a family with a goal. We fell short of our goal, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. We fought, Matt's team fought, and in the end Matt's team prevailed.

Best of luck to Commissioner Cole. There is so much more to be said, but I just might add to this blog at a later date. I'm tired, it's been an interesting day.